Chiropractors/Back pain/tightness

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Expert: - 11/13/2011


Question
i  am a college runner and swimmer.i am currently swimming 5 days a week and running about once or twice a week. recently my back muscles have been getting very tight and most times i have at least one knot in my back. i have been doing stim and massage and heat which helps some but i am having to do that 5 days a week. is there anything else i could do that would help? it ranges anywhere from my traps, lats, rhomboid, and all the way down to the muscles by my sacrum. what else could help?

Answer
Hi Marie,

Stim is a waste of your time since it does not change anything or fix anything.   Heat can be soothing, but does not change or fix anything.   While massage therapy can vary, depending on the style and the provider, likely it will not address any orthopedic or kinetic issues you may be having.   You really should find a good quality chiropractor who has done some post grad training (see www.acbsp.com) and who might also be certified in:  www.grastontechnique.com and/or www.FAKTR.com.     If anyone wants to take x-rays, tell them to wake up and read the literature as you go about-face and walk out.    No x-rays!    You should get a good hands-on physical examination to home in on what your problem is, and then get the right treatment to fix it.   Sometimes fixing it means resting, changing up your training, or modifying something at home/work/school ergonomically, e.g. not sitting for 5 hours in front of your computer.    Most likely, you will fall into the most common pattern of receiving some joint manipulation and soft tissue therapy (not massage) along with some modifications of exercise or home care.  This, for most folks, solves the problem.  No more e-stim...   

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G'

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Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP

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21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.

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